What is the perfect submariner?

[mike morris]

my submariner perfect for me .

[Steph-paul]

14160 M for me, I prefer the look
However all Subs are great and dependable watches 4,5,6 digits.

[Big Tex Rolex]

Originally Posted by dextroam11

I have never seen a submariner in person.

So for TRF members who have seen different references of submariners...

Which reference is the perfect submariner for you? (don't care about the color.. Let's just compare no-date sub for example)

I have been watching many videos of comparing no-date 114060, 124060, and even 5-digit reference ones. Everything has it's pros/cons but what do you guys think?

Which is the perfect (or near-perfect) submariner for ya?

An excerpt from a great article, on line, titled ... "The Last of the Best? The Rolex Submariner 14060"

Rolex Submariner 14060: The Last Of The Best?

Are the ref. 14060 and the ref. 14060M the absolute best of both worlds when it comes to the Rolex Submariner? There are certainly plenty of points in their favor.

Each preserves the iconic shape of the great vintage references of the past. Each has the classic dial uncluttered by date windows and magnifying lenses, yet both also contain modern movements, with the sort of bombproof reliability upon which Rolex has long built its internationally-renowned reputation. In fact, the movement in the ref. 14060M is the same one that powered the no-date Submariner all the way up until it (along with the date-displaying Caliber 3135) was officially retired from the Submariner collection in 2020.

Coupled with that is the patina-attracting bezel, something that will continue to set each individual watch apart as time goes on, and perhaps best of all, Rolex Submariner 14060 watches are still some of the most attainable examples of Rolex’s legendary dive watch that are available on the pre-owned market today. Entry into the ‘last of the best’ club starts at around $9,500 to $11,500 and due to the model’s long production period, examples are often readily available on the pre-owned market.

With a history going back over six decades, each reference of the Rolex Submariner is a true masterpiece. As such, there is no such thing as choosing the ‘wrong’ model. But for all-around versatility, the iconic reference 14060 represents the link between old and new, and it is in a league of its own.

[Dazthebeard]

4 liner 14060M for me. Perfect dimensions


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[B2 Stealth]

Appreciate all Submariners! My first Rolex was purchased in 2017. Ceramic bezel is nice. As much as a Tool watch as I can make it considering my pampered life. Not sloshing thru the jungles of Vietnam with it like my proud brethren did before me wearing one.

[NachoNeal]

Not sure which one is the "best". They're all pretty nice. Especially the ones without dates.

[zab]

124060 is perfection for me.

[joli160]

Mine

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by joli160

Mine

That is a GREAT picture.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by joli160

Mine

That is darn nice and in another league!!!

Here is my humble choice

[kg19989]

any five-digit sub!

[thesharkfactor]

The perfect Submariner is a GMT Master II

[kegan]

When Rolex made the perfect submariner they had to call it something else.


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[Rolexfanmiami]

I have the 114060 and like it and appreciate it very much. I also own a Hulk, it is a beautiful piece, completely different animal.

[swiss_seth]

I love the 16610 and I feel it was the perfect tool watch minus the hollow band. The 116610 is a huge improvement with the solid band and grade of steel used.

I am not a big fan of the bezel mechanism on the updated models. The former was much more user serviceable and IMO more resistance to slipping and adding time. Now mine has not been updated in a decade so maybe is just needs a new delrin retainer ring. I am hoping that will solve it.


If I had to choose it would a P series 16610 with holes on the case and a nato strap. Thats the tool watch perfecting. Mine took a beating and was great but so has my 116610.

Plus I love the older style non ball bearing 31x movements. Very quiet and smooth. Just have to monitor for rotor rub if axle gets worn. Easy Fix

[cjwhitey]

124060. I will never get sick of mine.

[GONZO2LR]

SSsubDateRehaut, 16610, 5-digit, to me the 6 digit is just too heavy, i knew i would never get use to the weight, so i chose the 5 and have never ever regretted it. But its a personal choice.

I got to try on both, this was when you could walk in a AD and try on any Rolex you wanted. But i would test the 5's at different places...

If you can, look around and try them on...then chose...good luck!

[Jonathanhumes]

124060 wears better on the wrist for me and looks better without the date.

[airchitect]

The Starbucks/Smurf/YG black dial prob tie as my favorites overall. Very different I know.


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[Carroll]

I have the new 41mm 124060 and that is my best Sub IMO.

[RFC]

Originally Posted by dextroam11

I have never seen a submariner in person.

So for TRF members who have seen different references of submariners...

Which reference is the perfect submariner for you? (don't care about the color.. Let's just compare no-date sub for example)

I have been watching many videos of comparing no-date 114060, 124060, and even 5-digit reference ones. Everything has it's pros/cons but what do you guys think?

Which is the perfect (or near-perfect) submariner for ya?

It's cliché but the perfect Sub is the one you own. Having said that, I've owned the 114060 (which I sold to purchase the 124060) and I also own the 14060M. I love my five series M 2 liner over just about every other watch except my old DJ not only because it's a direct descendant of the 5513, is light on the wrist, slightly smaller at 39.5mm, but I've built lasting memories with it.

[karteo]

Originally Posted by RFC

It's cliché but the perfect Sub is the one you own. Having said that, I've owned the 114060 (which I sold to purchase the 124060) and I also own the 14060M. I love my five series M 2 liner over just about every other watch except my old DJ not only because it's a direct descendant of the 5513, is light on the wrist, slightly smaller at 39.5mm, but I've built lasting memories with it.

exactly this.

i own an n-series 16610 which i love and a 114060 which is my daily beater for some time and although i also like 124060 a lot, i cannot justify to myself the upgrade. i like 114060 and its maxi case too much on the wrist. i do like the size of the lugs and the presence it has. for slimmer lines i have the 16610 so there is no need to upgrade just for the hype of the newcomer.

[Nurseford25]

Mines the one I have, the 114060. Bought new with my brother who bought himself a 116610LN at the same time. I love the 124060 and would've opted for that had it existed at the time, but the sentimental value and memory of my brother and I getting our subs together makes my 114060 the perfect one for me.

[Goin2drt]

116619 hands down period end of story.

[Chester01]

The 4/5 digit references. This is when the changes became more cosmetic than functional and away from the original tool watch DNA. Giant lugs, shiny bezels, and larger case size only caters to the look at me crowd I spent 8k on a watch and want to be noticed. That’s what folks want these days so Rolex gives them what they want. The new heavier bracelets are not better or stronger just add heft. I have 4 fine adjustments on my 16610 and have owned the new bracelets. I found that they make my wrist sweatier and the added heft meant that I noticed the watch on the wrist-not an advantage.

[Ricky Rolex]

116610LN

Perfect size, ceramic bezel flawless and amazing movement.


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[dazooom]

1680 Red

[GarbanzoNegro]

This one:

I was on the waitlist for the 114060, but then I found this and had to say not to the AD once he called me back (approx. 4 months later).

[Mifune]

we need a Platinum Submariner...

[visualplane]

If Rolex had a 39mm sub it would be the perfect sub. The bb58 fits so perfectly.